Melanie Walsh Named NCAA Division III Women’s Golf Elite 88 award Winner
Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla., May 9, 2011 – Sophomore Melanie Walsh of the Washington University in St. Louis women’s golf team was named the 2011 NCAA Division III winner Elite 88 winner, it was announced at the 2011 NCAA Division III Women’s Golf Championship banquet on Monday, May 9, in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla.
The Elite 88, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level, while also achieving the highest academic standard among their peers. The Elite 88 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA’s 88 championships.
Washington University has had three NCAA Elite 88 award winners in 2010-11 (Dani Hoover, Women’s Basketball; Elizabeth Phillips, Women’s Indoor Track and Field), and an NCAA-leading six since the program’s inception in 2009-10.
“The whole team is excited about Melanie winning such a prestigious award, especially with it being given out at the banquet tonight,” said third-year head coach Sean Curtis. “She really exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete and continues to impress here at the national championship. We couldn't be happier for Melanie and her family.”
Walsh, an English major with a 4.0 grade point average (GPA), has seen action in all 10 tournaments and is third on the team and 113th in NCAA Division III with 84.88 average. She placed second at the Illinois College Invitational (9/4-9/5) after firing a 78 on day one and a season-low 77 on day two. Walsh has recorded a 90 or lower in 14 of 16 rounds this season.
The Washington University women’s golf team opens play on Tuesday at 1:20 p.m. (ET), for its opening round in the in the 2011 NCAA Division III Championship at the Mission Inn Resort in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla. Washington University is in its third season as a varsity sport and ranked No. 5 in the Golf World/National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA) women's coaches' poll.